AS PREAPRED
Remarks by Candace Bond
Continuing Promise Closing Ceremony
Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force Military Academy
Corinth, San Fernando
September 8, 3:30 p.m.
Good afternoon. I want to thank the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of National Security, the Ministry of Health, the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM), our Trinbagonian first responders, and our multi-agency Continuing Promise team for this gracious and warm reception here today. I also want to thank Rear Admiral Aiken from U.S. Fourth Fleet for accompanying me. Rear Admiral, your participation today further highlights the importance the United States places on the bilateral defense relationship with Trinidad and Tobago.
The Continuing Promise mission is a shining example of our strong bilateral relationship and our enduring friendship with the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. During this mission, we worked side by side with our Trinbagonian counterparts to increase medical readiness, strengthen partnerships, and enhance our combined capabilities to respond to public health disasters and humanitarian crises.
Throughout this week, Continuing Promise medical teams worked alongside Ministry of Health doctors to provide critical care in community healthcare clinics. Continuing Promise teams also conducted subject matter expert exchanges and seminars on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), Gender Based violence, and executed a disaster response exercise with our Trinbagonian hosts.
As part of our steadfast commitment, Continuing Promise also included veterinarian engagements, biomedical exchanges, small-scale infrastructure improvements, and donations like school desks and chairs for vulnerable populations, four riverine vessels and an Operations Center for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, and future donations of containerized clinics for the Ministry of Health.
The Continuing Promise also extends to Tobago where in the coming months we will deliver a brand new Field Hospital (like the one staged outside) as well as an Ambulance for the Tobago Emergency Management Agency designed to strengthen disaster response resiliency.
Last but certainly not least, Continuing Promise also featured the U.S. Navy Fleet Forces band who performed several free concerts throughout Trinidad and will close with a free concert tonight at the HADCO Phase II Pan Yard in Port of Spain.
The Continuing Promise mission is all part of our longstanding and close partnership: Neighbor helping neighbor; friend helping friend. The United States of America is Trinidad and Tobago’s best and most reliable friend and partner in the world.
I am very proud of what we have accomplished, and you all should be very proud of what you have accomplished together.